Wrestling Observer Newsletter November 29, 1993

MCMAHON, TITAN FACE STEROID INDICTMENTS LAWLER EXPECTS TO BE CLEARED OF ALL CHARGES

THE CHARGES AGAINST VINCE MCMAHON March 1988 and October 1989, McMahon and Titan Sports distributed and caused to be distributed the steroid Nandrolone Decanoate (better *Conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and to defraud the United known as Decadurabolin or "Deca" for short) to a WWF performer known States Food and Drug Administration (during the period from 1985 to to the Grand Jury whose name wasn't listed in the indictment. There is February, 1991) widespread belief within the wrestling industry of who the performer is, and his name was in at least one major media report originally before *Maximum penalty: Five years in prison lawyers for that media service took the name out. If the performer in question is one believed to be within the industry, it would contradict many *Illegal possession of anabolic steroids with intent to distribute (October public statements that performer has made in the past in regard to his 24, 1989) involvement with the drugs.

*Maximum penalty: Three years in prison McMahon, who after the indictment acknowledged sharing steroids with a friend, but admitted to committing no crimes, contradicted an interview in *Maximum personal fines against Vince McMahon for both charges: the Boston Herald a few days before the indictment, when he addressed $500,000 the potential of a charge for dispensing steroids.

AGAINST TITAN SPORTS "Of all the things that have been rumored, the vicious rumors and the lies that have been said about me and this company, no one's ever said that *Conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and to defraud the United before. Not one wrestler or anyone. So if I had ever given anyone States Food and Drug Administration (during the period from 1985 to steroids, distributed steroids or anything along those lines, that would February, 1991) have been one of the very first things that someone could have said, `Yes, he did it to me.'" *Maximum fine: $500,000 McMahon, whose age was listed in all published reports as 47, but is *Illegal possession of anabolic steroids with intent to distribute (October believed to really have turned 48 in August, had, in a July 1991 press 24, 1989) conference in the wake of the Zahorian trial where the first announcement was made that Titan would steroid test its wrestlers, and in more than one *Maximum fine: $500,000 statement to the this publication in 1991 and early 1992 admitted personal use of Decadurabolin acquired from Dr. Zahorian but categorized the *Additional maximum penalty against Titan Sports for one or both counts: extent of his use as briefly experimenting in 1987. Forfeiture of the land, office building, and everything in it located at 1241 East Main Street in Stamford, CT (aka Titan Towers). Estimated value of On the WWF's Saturday night radio show, Jim Ross early in the show office building: $9.5 million listed the charges against McMahon, read the company's prepared statement and then largely dropped the subject for the remainder of the In what could be prove to be a landmark steroid case, both Titan Sports first hour. During the opening of the second hour, Ross complained that owner Vince McMahon and his company were indicted on two counts the government should have had better things to do and that both apiece of steroid law violations. McMahon and the WWF claim the allegations are groundless and plan to contest these allegations. The case is believed to mark the first attempt by the U.S. government in enforcing its steroid laws to charge the owner or a key management figure However, the pleas hardly make a May trial date a certainty. At this point of a sports organization, and the organization itself, which allegedly business negotiations will take place (ie plea bargaining). There are many benefitted financially from its athletes usage of steroids as conspirators for who believe a trial, win or lose, would prove devastating for the McMahon that use. Empire because it would require numerous wrestlers to testify to their own use of steroids including the possibility or most of the company's top McMahon, in denying the conspiracy charges, claimed the charge was an drawing cards from its heyday. The name Hulk Hogan becomes a key attempt to make him responsible for the actions of Dr. George Zahorian factor. The Zahorian trial suddenly became front page news in USA Today III, the Harrisburg, PA osteopath who was convicted of 12 counts of and was scheduled to be covered as significant news in many mainstream illegally dispensing steroids and other controlled substances in a well- media outlets when it was believed Hogan would be testifying. When publicized 1991 trial. Zahorian, who is currently serving a three-year Hogan's subpoena was quashed, the story took on far less significance sentence, was believed to have been the main and most well-known initially, although not in the long-run. If Hogan were to be called on to supplier of steroids, but was not the only supplier, to WWF wrestlers from testify in a trial with McMahon on the subject of steroids, it would become the early 1980s through his 1991 arrest. The indictment named Zahorian, a huge media event. as well as others who weren't named, as unindicted co-conspirators. McMahon is going to continue as lead television announcer and in his McMahon and Titan Sports were arraigned Tuesday morning, 11/23 in CEO capacity with Titan Sports in the wake of the indictments. Brooklyn. McMahon plead "not guilty" on all charges and was released on $250,000 bond before U.S. District Court Judge Jacob Mishler. A May 2, "The government does not allege that I or my company have done 1994 trial date was set. At the arraignment McMahon refused to answer anything wrong since the use of steroids became illegal nearly three years any media questions on the advice of his attorney but called the entire ago," McMahon said in a story that ran Thursday night on the AP wire. proceedings "unfair." "The World Wrestling Federation does not condone or tolerate the use of steroids." In a statement issued through his lawyers, McMahon claimed the government's prosecutors "are now trying to make me responsible for The question of legality of steroids has been misinterpreted by media and what the doctor (Zahorian) did. I did no such thing." misrepresented in statements by many leading wrestling personalities since media scrutiny and controversy regarding the drug being abused by In a statement released to the press, McMahon said, "To turn my personal wrestlers started in the wake of the Zahorian trial. use into a crime, they claim I shared some of those steroids with a friend and that somehow made me a dealer." Since this is a federal case, various state laws regarding use or distribution of the drug aren't applicable to these indictments. Statements The indictments, which resulted from an at least 20-month long Justice made by many wrestling personalities regarding steroids themselves Department investigation of McMahon and his company, never alleged being legal during certain periods was often not the case even before McMahon sold steroids, but that on several occasions around or between changes in federal law because of state laws in many instances. government seizing the entire team from the owner and putting it up for Simply put, steroids in an of themselves have never been a "legal drug" auction. during any of this period except for specifically specified instances. Prior to 1988, dispensing steroids was under the jurisdiction of the FDA (Food The indictment claimed the object of the conspiracy was "unlawfully to and Drug Administration). Dispensing steroids was only legal before 1988 provide WWF wrestling performers with steroids to enhance their size and under one condition, when use was supervised by a licensed medical musculature, and thereby to increase the ticket sales for WWF exhibition practitioner acting within a legitimate doctor-patient relationship. During and the profits to Titan and McMahon." the Zahorian trail, one of the government's key points against Zahorian was that his manner of dispensing steroids did not fall within that Titan Sports' involvement in the distribution indictment was caused by the framework. allegation within the indictment that on several occasions between March of 1988 and October of 1989, McMahon ordered and caused to be In November, 1988, after a congressional hearing, because it was felt ordered Nandrolone Decanoate from Zahorian, and the indictment claims, doctors were abusing that specific instance and acting unethically in in order to evade the detection of these transactions, McMahon utilized writing prescriptions and dispensing steroids to healthy athletes, the drugs Titan funds or resources to cause the purchase of bank checks used to were placed under the jurisdiction of the DEA (Drug Enforcement pay Zahorian for the shipments, which were then distributed to both Administration). The law was tightened up at this point to only allow McMahon and the unnamed WWF performer. steroids to be dispensed or to be possessed with intent to distribute for the specific purpose of treatment of disease in human beings. Any other type By virtue of the Drug Forfeiture Act, the government, upon a conviction of of dispensing or distribution was considered a felony. Titan Sports on either of the counts, is attempting to seize Titan Towers, because it is alleged that office property was used or intended to have In early 1991, another law was enacted making it a felony for any kind of been used to commit or facilitate the violations. possession of steroids or use of steroids by individuals for anything other than the treatment of disease. There are no charges in these indictments The indictment also noted that in December 1989, Titan officials and relating to this final law change. McMahon learned of the federal investigation into Zahorian's activities and warned him of the investigation, and at that point prevented him from McMahon's statement that the government doesn't allege any wrongdoing appearing at future WWF shows. A Titan executive known to the Grand by him or his company since use (the key word is "use," making his Jury, with knowledge of the investigation, instructed another executive to statement true) of steroids became illegal is apparently trying to confuse ensure that Zahorian didn't attend a show in Hershey, PA that he was the press and public and in some cases may have succeeded in regard to scheduled to be the attending physician at, and to consider warning the final law change of 1991, which isn't applicable to this indictment, with Zahorian of the existence of the investigation. McMahon also discussed the fact that other laws pertaining to the legality of the drug had been in this situation with the Titan executive, and the Titan executive phoned effect since the 70s. Zahorian and told him to destroy any records of Zahorian's contact with the WWF and with WWF wrestling personnel. The press release sent out by the U.S. Justice Department's Eastern District on 11/18 announcing the indictment specifically stated, "at all In the Zahorian trial, Zahorian's attorney, Bill Costopoulus claimed that Pat relevant times anabolic steroids have been classified as prescription drugs Patterson called Zahorian to tell them that wrestlers were being under federal law and could not be dispensed without a valid medical investigated and at that point Zahorian turned over all his files on wrestlers prescription." It later went on to state, "The indictment announced today to a lawyer. When the FBI raided Zahorian's office the following March, charges McMahon and Titan with violations of federal law both before and there were no files or records relating to medical treatment or contact with after the enactment of the 1988 statute." WWF wrestlers that Zahorian was dispensing steroids to. It was the acquisition of Zahorian's Fed-Ex receipts which was loaded with names of McMahon's attorney, Jerry McDevitt, who was the attorney for Hulk Hogan pro wrestlers, including major names like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and responsible for getting him out of testifying at the Zahorian trial, in a Roddy Piper, Ultimate Warrior and Curt Hennig, and most prominently 36 New York Daily News article called the indictments, "Cockamamie," and pounds worth of shipments to McMahon and others at the Titan offices claimed, "We're going back into ancient and revisionist history to fashion which led to pro wrestling being tied into the trial and ultimately led to an indictment against Vincent McMahon." these indictments.

The charges against McMahon and the company are significant in the In the Boston story days before the indictment, McMahon said, "This sports and quasi-sports world. If McMahon were to be convicted as being oppressive investigation for over 19 months has cost us millions and part of a conspiratorial role during the years stated, it would not seem to millions of dollars. I would not want to wish what we have endured already be a stretch to argue that during the same time frame, college football on my worst enemy. Ever. Because it's been unfair, unjust and as far as coaches, bodybuilding promoters and others in ownership or personnel- I'm concerned, un-American." decision making capacities in sports where steroids offer a competitive advantage or the steroid look increases box office marketability, along with the institution, particularly if somehow a strength coach or LAWLER CASE TAKES BIZARRE TURN administrator provided funds for their purchase, of which they represent The case against Jerry Lawler on statutory rape, sodomy and harassing a could conceivably be guilty of the same offenses. Previous steroid witness charges took a bizarre series of turns this past week. indictments have largely been made against the pawns of a system that creates steroid use from those who strive to reach the top of their Lawler's attorney William Massey told numerous media outlets in the profession--doctors supplying them in order to be friends and get favors Memphis area, and the Associated Press, that he had a four-page written from celebrities and athletes--and athletes--rather than those who control affidavit from the 13-year-old Louisville girl who was listed as the victim in the field of play and the criteria of how to get ahead. McMahon can be the rape and sodomy aspect of the case, and her mother, recanting their more closely tied to Zahorian because he himself purchased steroids from story and saying none of the incidents took place. Both Massey and the doctor and was clearly knowledgeable of the situation that Zahorian Lawler spent the weekend telling the media and friends that all charges was dispensing steroids to his wrestlers and seemingly took no actions to would be dropped at the arraignment that was scheduled to take place on discourage use in his company until after Zahorian was convicted and Monday, 11/22. Massey, in an interview before the arraignment said he'd media pressure followed. accept nothing less than a complete dismissal.

Perhaps even more potentially devastating from an industry-wide After the arraignment, where Lawler plead "not guilty" to all five charges, standpoint then the charges against McMahon personally, who is largely none of the charges were dropped. Lawler, was freed on a $1,000 bond. seen as the most powerful and influential individual worldwide in the Lawler returned to Memphis for largely positive press on Monday night's industry for most of the past ten years and arguably in its history, are the news shows, saying the procedure didn't allow for the admitting of the charges against the company itself. affidavit as evidence until a December 6 discovery meeting. Lawler said in an interview with Pro Wrestling Torch later that afternoon that the lengthy Besides a maximum of $1 million in fines, Titan Sports is facing a possible article which practically absolved him of all guilt in the previous day's forfeiture of its $9.5 million office complex known as "Titan Towers." The Memphis newspaper was mistaken in its reporting that Massey said he latter, because of the costs of replacing the office and everything in it, expected charges to be dropped the next day, although Massey was would most likely leave the company in a severely financially weakened quoted in other media outlets as saying the same thing. Lawler himself position and almost force the company into downsizing and rebuilding had gone on the Memphis television wrestling show on Saturday saying from a much lower level. he expected the whole situation to be over very soon.

A recent conviction of a Puerto Rican baseball team owner for selling WWF officials had decided that Lawler would return to both his wrestling cocaine, with the claim he used the team's offices to do so, resulted in the and announcing duties with the group if or when he was absolved of all charges, but with word throughout wrestling on Sunday that Lawler had been cleared, talk was that he may be back for Survivor Series after all, although there is no confirmation of anything of the like. Newspaper coverage was less significant. The AP ran at least two different five-paragraph brief stories on the indictment and another 11- Earlier in the week, the Nashville Tennessean had run an editorial critical paragraph story on the arraignment which were covered throughout the of Lawler claiming his public explanation of the indictments as country, but usually just one or two sentences in the local paper. In the exaggerated girl talk didn't come off as plausible. New York media on Friday, the New York Post, which covered this story from the beginning and eventually was sued by McMahon, had a banner Lawler's only major wrestling appearance during the week he was under cover headline "Muscle Bind--Feds indict wrestle king in steroid pump-up suspicion was the 11/15 card in his home town of Memphis. The show scam" with McMahon's photo, and ran two stories on page five. It followed drew approximately 1,250 fans and $8,600, an increase from the previous up by another story on Monday, which had a quote from Ken Patera weeks 1,100 and $6,600 (there was a $1 increase in prices). The debut of saying, "Everybody used steroids. If you didn't use them, you couldn't Crush in the main event may have been a factor as well as the local work for McMahon. He wanted everyone to look like a cartoon character." publicity regarding Lawler. Lawler received one of the loudest and most The most amazing quote in the story came from Craig Peters of PWI, not sustained cheers for his ring introduction at the show in recent memory. that it would surprise me he believed it, but that he'd say it for attribution in a newspaper, was, "I don't know if McMahon gave wrestlers steroids, but In an article in the 11/21 Memphis Commercial-Appeal, Massey was there was an implicit message that the bigger the bodies, the more quoted as saying he expected all charges to be dropped at the scheduled impressive the physique, the better chance you have for getting a job with arraignment in Louisville. the WWF." Ultimate Warrior was quoted as saying McMahon never told him to use steroids, but that the road schedule and pressure to maintain In the article by Michael Kelley, Massey said he met with the girl and her the Ultimate Warrior character encouraged him to take advantage of every mother "at their request" in Louisville last week and obtained a statement edge, including steroids. The New York Daily News also ran a page five completely exonerating Lawler. story, while the New York Times limited its coverage to four paragraphs. USA Today, which has been long known for its decided pro-WWF "The young lady says this never happened," Massey said. "It just got coverage sometimes to the point of being beyond fiction, and complete blown out of proportion. And when she tried to stop (the prosecution), the lack of negative coverage, ran a one-paragraph item in the Entertainment authorities did not want to. They didn't want to hear the truth." pages in its early editions, but had pulled the item by the time it ran its West Coast edition. The Boston Herald ran a lengthy interview with Vince At press time, a Louisville station had already taped an interview with the McMahon on Sunday, an interview done days before the indictments, older brother of the alleged victim, which the station was taking to lawyers where McMahon called the investigation a witch hunt. Forbes Magazine is to decide whether to air since the older brother was still under 18, which scheduled to do a piece this week. The Miami Herald pulled its weekly sources say may paint a new portrait of the entire proceedings. wrestling column on Sunday, deeming the subject matter "too controversial." The story also received and will receive a surprising Massey said Lawler has given the girl and her mother nothing in exchange amount of coverage in the Japanese press, which largely buried the for the statement, that no civil suits have been filed in either direction and Zahorian trial story and subsequent follow-ups that were major news in that there was no monetary settlement. the U.S. Ellis Henican of Newsday ran easily the best written piece I've seen, a Sunday feature on Billy Graham, which was the only newspaper Massey claimed the situation stemmed from a dispute with the girl in story that really captured the essence of the real story. The plight of question and a family friend that Lawler had no part of. Graham, as a 50-year-old ex-steroid user for two decades, has to be noted as at least to this point, to be the unfortunate exception, rather than "They have a family friend...who almost sees himself as a fatherly figure to the rule of thumb long-term result. Up to this point, Henican's article had this young lady," Massey said in the newspaper article. "He will constantly also proven to be the unfortunate exception. probe into where she's going and what she's doing, and he questions her, even accuses her, of going out with people constantly. This gentleman The arraignment on Tuesday was being covered heavily on local New was accusing her at one time--I think it was in September--and he just York television and news radio segments, and is expected to lead to kept on and kept on, and he was saying, `Who else have you been with?' further stories this week. Just to spite this man and to make him leave her alone, to make him back off of her, (she said), `If it will make you happy, I've been with Jerry The most ironic thing about the media coverage is this. If a media source Lawler,' and named a few others. This man went to the police and that's never covers pro wrestling to begin with for whatever reason, beneath its where it got started." dignity, sports editor doesn't think it's sport and entertainment editor doesn't think it's entertainment, etc., it is hard to fault that source for not Massey said the statement also cleared Lawler of alleged wrongdoings in covering this story, because no mainstream source at press time has the Indiana investigation, where charges had not been filed. He said the understood tying in the conspiracy indictment against McMahon and the grand jury indictments came without either Lawler or the girl being put on company with ramification to many mainstream and cult sports the stand, which seems to make erroneous the report on the WLKY-TV organizations. At some point, those ramifications make this potentially a news that was reported here and elsewhere last week quoting detailed major sports story, particularly if there turns out to be a conviction on the testimony from an alleged victim, although many aspects of this story at conspiracy charge. However, any source that has given significant this point don't seem to make sense. coverage to the industry, particularly during its heyday that these indictments coincide with, has no argument toward not giving the "Mr. Lawler sees this young lady as more or less a victim of the system indictment of the company itself and of the most powerful man in the herself--her and her family," Massey continued in the article. "This just got business at least that same amount of coverage. It does point to the sad blown out of proportion, and that happens sometimes with major celebrity state of journalism itself in too many cases when the same reporters figures. covering the fantasy aspect run like hell from examining the reality.

Massey said that Lawler admitted to meeting the girl when she came to Many others seem to have confused the issue stemming from the his hotel room at one time and they talked for 30 minutes, but that was the indictments, thinking the ramifications of this story and long-term effects extent of it. are based on the amount of coverage it received. Media coverage of ************************************************************************************ certain aspects was the significant determining factor in 1992 when There was considerable mainstream media coverage of the allegations were going public. It is almost completely insignificant when it McMahon/Titan indictments on Thursday night, with coverage on both the comes to indictments. The only significance when it comes to indictments NBC and ABC national newscasts, a brief mention on "Prime Time Live" are the end results of the indictments. that evening by Sam Donaldson after a piece of steroid use among high ************************************************************************************ schoolers, and coverage nationally on both CNN and ESPN nightly sports As with many drugs, steroids are largely misunderstood by the public and reports. The NBC coverage, ironically from the network that carried WWF media. Because of their ability to enhance performance in numerous specials for years, was the strongest. CBS was planning on a more in- sports where speed and or power are prime elements, their use depth feature for its Friday night newscast but it was pulled ten minutes recreationally and athletically is fundamentally different from other drugs. before air-time because of a Bill Clinton press conference and may be run Attempts to legislate them may be in a vain attempt to keep the proverbial sometime in the next week. Coverage was strongest on a local basis in playing field level than to protect society from devastating side effects. the New York market where all the leading stations carried the story and at least two stations opened the newscast with the indictments as the While taken for long periods of time in high dosages is presumed to be leading story. Local television and radio carried the story in many markets, quite unhealthy, very little in the way of medical research is out there that although none to anywhere near the same level as New York. On the conclusively proves anything one way or another in regard to either long- tabloid scene, "Inside Edition" ran a five-minute feature the next day, term or short-term effects. This allows those who want to justify personal using tape of a previous piece done in 1991 on the Zahorian trial and use as claiming there is no proof of what the warning labels claim, and updating it only with the announcement of the indictments of McMahon. allows those on the other side to exaggerate toxic effects because there is no proof to contradict them, either. Those who use the drugs have quickly unique to the WWF either. Questions have been raised by officials and learned to shun medical research, which for years claimed no participants in track, football, and all sports with testing policies and performance enhancing capabilities to the drugs while athletes were everyone knows about the dragging its feet WCW has done the past two blowing out previous bests in their speed and strength sports while on years. Just this past week the NFL was sued by former player Terry Long, them. The results of the early research was the first of many lies to be who is one of only a handful of players who has been suspended in the told, as some of the earliest researchers have since gone forward saying past few years for failing a test, back in the pre-season of 1991. Long the original claims of no bulk or strength increases were actually falsified claimed steroid use is encouraged on certain teams, rampant among by those in the medical profession for fear it would create an epidemic players, and tests are arbitrarily enforced by the league. His suit claims to among athletes if the truth were to come out. When the epidemic took have examples of players who failed tests but were never suspended, place anyway some years later, attempts were made to exaggerate side because they legally challenged the tests and the league ruled the effects, but in many cases that had little effect as a deterrent, and now positive results as inconclusive. He even claimed his first test failure (for a many athletes don't listen to anything the medical profession says on the higher testosterone level than testing regulations allow) didn't result in a subject because of lost credibility. suspension but his second test, which had a more normal level, did, because then the doctors re-evaluated the results first test. But the policy In May of last year, I attended the wedding of a childhood friend in as is administered in the WWF today is a strong deterrent and certainly Southern California, a former competitive bodybuilder who once placed in current use among existing employees is strongly discouraged. The the Collegiate Mr. America bodybuilding championship and was a strength recent attempt to build the promotion around Lex Luger does present a coach at a major steroid-laden college sports program. Both himself and strong case that it is still to a young wrestlers' advantage if they want a job his older brother, who I also grew up with, had used steroids for to use the stuff, pump the weights, and hope the genetics are there to get competition purposes. His brother also used steroids and was still using ones' foot in the door. Once they get in they are most likely not going to steroids having nothing to do with competition due to the fact he had the get away with use for any length of time. type of personality that would cause somebody to use steroids and brag they enabled him to get it on 32 times in an eight day period. In the *Nothing have to do with this story and these charges have anything to do wedding party were several other competitive and former competitive with what is going on in the WWF today, but laws that are alleged to have bodybuilders, and in that company steroids is usually the prime subject of been broken years ago. The current drug testing procedures are not conversation anyway, but made more cognizant because it was just a few relevant to the time period noted in the indictments. weeks before what was being heavily publicized locally as a drug-free ************************************************************************************ bodybuilding contest being put on by Vince McMahon (more on that later) There are so many stories, some of which were frustrating to cover at the the very idea of which was laughable to all. They were joking, knowing time because the subject leads to one work (read that lie) after another without having any tangible proof of what later came out in the and this is hardly limited to wrestling but all aspects of the issue of bodybuilding mags, but truly knowing from experience if you get my drift, performance enhancing drugs in sports, that in looking back, become the misleading nature of that advertising. I made a comment that wasn't really humorous, regarding statements made not only by Vince McMahon meant at all as funny, and that is that the most prevalent side effect of not and wrestlers, but by other major celebrities. only using steroids, but just being involved with those who use is not hair loss, acne increase or increased aggression, but a huge increase in lying, One of the funniest stories involving McMahon has to do with the World particularly when the subject comes up. Bodybuilding Federation. The WBF announced its formation in January, 1991. At its inaugural press conference, Tom Platz (whose position with As every new report comes in and every new statement is made, whether Titan would have been equivalent to Pat Patterson's in the wrestling end), it be by Vince McMahon, or Hulk Hogan, or some members of the medical said the WBF would regularly steroid test the bodybuilders. This was profession, or athletes in other sports, or many, but certainly not all, nearly six months before the Zahorian trial, and there was little wrestlers who have spoken publicly on this subject, it always seems to be mainstream publicity on the subject applied toward either wrestling or suspicious. It often is even a direct contradiction with the same people's bodybuilders and steroids. This statement was made even though there previous statement. Charting the history of Titan's statements, both in were no plans at all to steroid test, that the word within the industry was regard to the WWF and WBF, and attempts at misrepresentation and "Bodybuilding the way it's supposed to be," (the WBF's original theme) outright fantasy in them has been done numerous times in these pages. was a way of saying bodybuilding without steroid testing. At the time, the Rather than repeating the obvious, the key points are: rival Weider group had just had its first (and as it turned out last) Mr. Olympia, the 1990 version, with the guys drug tested. Even though *Titan Sports' popularity was built on the back of anabolic steroids. There virtually everyone used the juice to prepare and some were said to be on would be no Hulk Hogan if Terry Bollea had not used anabolic steroids. as late as days before the show, the flaws of testing are such that only Take Hulk Hogan and everyone else whose character was pushed due to four of 21 failed and had to forfeit their spot. When the competitors came their physique during that time period out of the equation and Titan Sports out, the truth didn't stop the p.a. announcer from saying how all these would have never achieved anything close to the level of popularity and physiques were drug-tested and steroid free, which brought out the mainstream appeal it had before the walls of mainstream interest came biggest howl of laughter the entire night. It appeared all the guys had to tumbling down in 1992. Take Terry Bollea out of the equation as the limit their intake in order to beat the test instead of the traditional "going- leading star of the company probably would have been another for-broke." The fans of the drug-gorged sport were disappointed because exceptionally big man with a steroided-up physique, as every attempt but the quality of the physiques was the lowest in recent memory. Without one as an heir apparent to Hogan has been. Popularity of most, but not ever making an announcement, the Weider organization dropped drug all, of the key draws during that time period was based on physiques that testing from the Olympia, claiming it was cost prohibitive but largely could not have achieved or maintained on the arduous schedule without because of fear attendance the next year would drop. However, nobody steroids. knew Weider would drop drug testing when the WBF was formed. In the first few months of the WBF, there were no steroid tests. A few months *Vince McMahon was fully aware of all these factors as both a later, in a USA Today article before the first WBF show, Titan again said bodybuilder, bodybuilding fan and steroid user himself. His decisions on that all competitors would be tested for steroids before the show. Once whom to market and ability to market more than any other promoter during again, no tests. It was the WBF lies that made those who followed Titan that time period were based largely on physique which led to what virtually closely wary when the wrestling tests were announced later that year. all sources in that time period will concede was far more use within the WWF than any other wrestling company. However, steroids were used A few months after this, after much media pressure on the wrestling regularly in all promotions during that time period and were a competitive company in the wake of the Zahorian trial, the WWF held its first drug test. advantage across the board and in numerous other sports. To say the During that same period, I had a lengthy discussion with McMahon and WWF when it comes to steroid use is guilty of something other sports the subject of bodybuilding came up and McMahon told me the organizations aren't would be unfair, although it was more of a bodybuilders would be drug tested just like the wrestlers, and in fact, prerequisite to get in and get to the top than in most. The only difference because they were smarter in techniques of beating the test, even more is, its pusher got caught, its media and a few members of the mainstream stringent than the wrestlers. He talked about a meeting he had just had media weren't as apt to let its lies go unchallenged, its owner was a user with all the bodybuilders a few days earlier where he told them that they'd and its owner got to choose who won and lost and how and thus was in be subject to the most stringent drug testing in the history of professional complete control over who was and wasn't a star. In a few sports, like sports, about things that had happened at the meeting, etc, and that all bodybuilding, use was probably more rampant then the WWF. the bodybuilders grudgingly accepted they were being pushed as ambassadors of health, thus it would be hypocritical to be on the juice. He *Use of steroids today in the WWF is minimal, if at all. Steroid tests aren't said it might take him one or two years, but his goal was to present the foolproof. There have been numerous public statements made to the first professional steroid-free bodybuilding show. During the same media on this subject that have turned out to be totally untrue, and not just conversation, he mentioned that he had just signed Lou Ferrigno of TV's misleading. There have been questions raised about their accuracy and if "Incredible Hulk" fame to the WBF, what a great guy he was, invited me to enforcement of failures is uniform. If there is truth to those questions, and a press conference in a few days in Los Angeles when the announcement it has already gone public in a few cases that there has, that would not be would go public, and mentioned that Ferrigno would be appearing a few days after that on Johnny Carson. Ferrigno went on with Carson and The two questions I've been asked the most in the past few days are: brought up drug testing in bodybuilding, saying that's why he decided to come back to competition after a 17-year absence, and chose the WBF, *How is this going to affect the wrestling industry? because it would have "the strictest drug testing in all of professional sports." The funny part of all this is that, as time will show, in Ferrigno's *What's going to be the end result from these charges? mind, and in the mind of the WBF bodybuilders at the time, "the strictest drug testing in all of professional sports" line that so many were seemingly The answer to both is the same. It's premature to speculate. But given a willing to say actually in the minds of many meant no drug testing at all. I few possible case scenarios, here's at least an attempt to answer those can't even speculate what was in Vince McMahon's mind at this point in questions. time. Assuming no plea bargaining, which is by no means a safe assumption, You see, the meeting with the bodybuilders he was giving me details on the end result of this will be the trial. Until that point, don't expect much of never happened. Well, actually, that isn't true either. McMahon may have an effect on this business. This is not a case where media coverage, met with the bodybuilders around the time Ferrigno signed. I don't know if whether it be strong, weak, informed or uninformed, is relevant. The he spoke about steroids or not but it couldn't have been a major factor decision of the jury, if it goes that far, supersedes everything said or because none of the bodybuilders believed they were ever going to be written beforehand. If it goes to trial, everything hinges on what happens drug tested until a months later. But McMahon did have that meeting he during the trial, the verdict and eventual punishment if there are guilty was telling me about. Several months later, when the entire situation verdicts. regarding Titan Sports and steroids had changed again due to even more adverse media publicity. According to descriptions of the meeting months That directly leads to question No. 2. Vince McMahon and Titan Sports later in the bodybuilding mags, the most amazing thing is that some of had knowledge of Zahorian dispensing drugs. By pushing Hulk Hogan and what McMahon told me "happened" in the meeting "a few days earlier," others with steroid physiques, the decisions encouraged use by most really did "happen" when the meeting took place months later, almost as if wrestlers hungry for the big money. Whatever dangers steroids have over in his mind he was preparing to choreograph reality and as he often has the short and long-term, they are hardly the most unhealthy things done, to an extent, succeeded. This was in the spring of 1992, when the wrestlers will do in order to get a push. But can a case go to a jury with no media publicity regarding steroids in the WWF, Hogan being less than knowledge of the subject and be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that truthful exploded with stories in the San Diego Union-Tribune, New York this was a conspiracy between McMahon, the company, the doctor and Post, Los Angeles Times, People Magazine, Miami Herald and syndicated others to get most of the wrestlers on steroids? There were most likely in numerous other papers around the world. While this was going on, wrestlers during that time period that didn't use steroids and were pushed, McMahon had his meeting with the bodybuilders and told them he'd have although they were probably a distinct minority, but it did exist. A Grand to start testing. It isn't clear what he said but it was reported everywhere Jury, to get an indictment only needs a majority vote, or 12 of 23 that the bodybuilders were told it was because he was getting negative members. A conviction needs a lot more agreement. On this case, I can't press and mainly for fear of what would air on the company in an even begin to speculate other than it is going to be extremely difficult for upcoming 20/20 special if they pushed the bodybuilders without testing the prosecution without being able to supply strong background of the them, which wound up being far more influential because of reactions for organization and strong witnesses. As far as dispensing, there are no fear or what would appear than for what actually appeared. Some of the allegations that Vince McMahon sold steroids to wrestlers, or even bodybuilders claimed later they thought he had told one of them what to widespread gave steroids to wrestlers, although there is an allegations say beforehand and he directed the meeting, a work unknown to all but that during a time frame he on several occasions gave steroids to a the orchestrator. A funny thing happened at the meeting. Most of the guys specific wrestler. If this allegation is true, if McMahon and his attorneys freaked out about being told to give up all their drugs just three months are able to convince the jury that all it was, was sharing with a friend, they before a contest, despite many willingly spouting the drug-free company may be able to get a sympathetic reaction and minimal if any real line. Preparing for a contest without drugs simply didn't exist in their world. problems resulting from it even though it would be technically a felony. Most knew they'd look, well comparatively, like crap on stage (which by The jury may react as if it isn't like he was randomly selling cocaine to the standards of the industry, most of them did, and the few that didn't anyone on the street or anything. If the prosecution is able to convince were largely accused by the others of figuring out a way to beat the that this was a promoter giving one of his employees and leading draws testing) and it would hurt their reputations. One guy more then freaked (provided this wrestler was one of his leading draws during the time out. He walked out. Lou "I came back because they were doing the period) steroids in order that he'd be more over and people would buy strictest drug testing in pro sports" Ferrigno was about 320 pounds at that more tickets to see him perform, thus earning the promoter more money, it meeting, just a few months away from being the biggest man ever to get could be viewed in a very negative manner, particularly if the company in contest shape. Ferrigno challenged Gary Strydom to take off his shirt purchases, as the allegations charge with McMahon, could have also and posedown right there because nobody would look good in the real been a way to eliminate all paper trails tracing the drugs back to that contest, and reportedly telling people that if any of them get caught failing performer and even make it so that even Dr. Zahorian didn't know who his a drug test, it means nothing, but The Incredible Hulk got caught and it steroids were going to. Either way, it's really the same thing and it all went public, as a kids hero, he'd be ruined. The idea of competing without comes down to how the jury interprets it. If the jury believes the charge to drugs, as he was so proudly talking of on Carson months earlier, be true, it may still come down to who gets the jury's sympathy at the end. apparently wasn't even considered as an option. Ferrigno quit the WBF Vince McMahon is a master at controlling people's emotions, yet he has a after the meeting. Something about him suffering from carpal tunnel's track record of past statements on this subject that could come back to syndrome and needing an operation (which, in fact, he was suffering from haunt him. Enough evidence could go public than even a not-guilty verdict and was operated on, but had nothing to do with his leaving the WBF), wouldn't be enough to not damage the company. A guilty verdict has the and shortly thereafter joined the Weider organization. potential, if McMahon is eliminated from the business and the office is seized, to entirely reshape the wrestling world. But if there is a guilty McMahon was able to achieve his goal of promoting the first "drug-free" verdict, will the fact McMahon has spent so much money to alleviate the bodybuilding contest in history a year quicker than he told me he thought problem currently be applicable when punishment is meted out, or will the he'd be able to. Unfortunately, not all the participants were cooperative but belief be the current philosophy of serious testing was largely a reaction to that didn't change the way McMahon marketed the show. The "drug free" media publicity and getting truly serious on the subject to the point the was screamed as if it were the words "Wrestlemania" in hyping the ill- habitual users either had to get off or leave was concurrent with the fated first and last WBF PPV show. The fact that eight or ten weeks before Justice Department investigation of the owner and the company on the the show, either nine or ten of the guys who were in the contest failed the very subject? steroid test, didn't even have an affect on hyping the show as "drug free" ************************************************************************************ both beforehand, and constantly during the show. The guys who failed McMahon in some circles has a reputation as something of a "teflon don" were suspended for six weeks, which meant nothing to the show with the with some who don't understand what has happened to the business of contest eight or ten weeks away, and all but one scheduled participated Titan Sports the past few years. Some see him as having been and it wasn't for failing a drug test but because he was hospitalized. The invulnerable to all the negative publicity that has come his way in the past guys were also suspended from their paycheck, which was serious two-and-a-half years. The reality is the company has already lost millions punishment to the guys, but the company continued to mislead the fans of dollars in revenue and been financially knocked down several pegs in that the contest and all the guys were drug-free. They continued to appear the wake of the negative media publicity of the past two years. According on the WBF television show hyping the PPV, doing exercise routines and to McMahon, he's already spent millions of dollars more attempting to talking about being steroid tested and drug free. While the idea of defend himself in regard to legal fees because of the Justice Department promoting a show where the majority of participants had recently failed a investigation. He's taken a terrible hit the past 20 months already and it steroid test as drug-free on the surface was both ludicrous and fraudulent, may have been more because he's played his cards wrong more often the funny thing is, when show time came, it appeared that in the than not when it comes to the steroid story almost every step of the way. preparatory period for the show among the crew, there was less steroid That track record shouldn't lead to overconfidence in these proceedings, use than at any contest of that level in recent years. yet the public "we aren't going to sell this indictment" attitude of many in ************************************************************************************ the company comes across as just that. Judging from the past two years, that public posturing may have already wound up creating the biggest This is the final issue of the current four-issue set. If you've got a (1) on problem of all. The inability to learn from one's mistakes has taken much your address label it means your subscription expires with this issue. larger companies than Titan Sports and much bigger fish than Vince Renewal rates within the United States, Canada and Mexico remain the McMahon down the tubes. same--$6 for four issues, $12 for eight, $24 for 16, $36 for 24, $48 for 32 ************************************************************************************ up through $60 for 40. Because of the awards double issue and because Rufus R. "Freight Train" Jones, a regional wrestling star in the 70s through we'll be missing an issue in December and coming back with a double the early-80s passed away on the morning of 11/13 of a reported heart during that month, in both cases, the 20-page issues will count as two attack while on a hunting trip at the age of 60. issues on the subscription. Rates for the rest of the world remain $9 for four, $18 for eight, up through $90 for 40. Subscription renewals, letters to Jones, real name Carey Lloyd, wrestled out of the old Central States the editor, live show reports and news items can be sent to the Wrestling circuit and moved to Kansas City in 1970 upon getting the job with Observer Newsletter, P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228. promoter Gust Karras' Heart of America Wrestling Promotions. He grew up in Clio, SC, and started wrestling using the ring name Big Buster Lloyd Fax messages can be sent after Noon on a daily basis to 408-378-6562. in the Carolinas. He evolved into Rufus R. Jones when he started in Phone messages can be left 24 hours per day at 408-379-8067. Kansas City in 1970, which quickly became his home town for rest of his life. A former football player at South Carolina State University, Jones was RESULTS a popular mid-card babyface who did the stereotypical role African- 10/31 Toyota (New Japan - 4,360 sellout): Manabu Nakanishi b Tokimitsu Americans played in regional wrestling from 1969 to 1987, largely in the Ishizawa, Yuji Nagata b Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Osamu Kido b Sean Royal, Central States, the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia. Not known for being a Jushin Liger & Satoshi Kojima b Black Cat & Shinjiro Otani, Keiji Muto & great worker or interview, Jones was a regular in the early 70s in the Hiroshi Hase b Kuniaki Kobayashi & Michiyoshi Ohara, Hawk Warrior b semi-main events for Sam Muchnick at St. Louis Kiel Auditorium, which at The Barbarian, Kengo Kimura & Tatsutoshi Goto & Masashi Aoyagi b the time was considered by many as the wrestling capital of the United Akira Nogami & Takayuki Iizuka & El Samurai, Tatsumi Fujinami & Shinya States, and once drew a sellout crowd as a headliner for a 60:00 draw in a Hashimoto & Masa Chono b Scott Norton & Hercules Fernandez & Wild World title match with Dory Funk. Pegasus

Jones held the Central States title on at least three occasions, the Central 11/2 Arena Coliseo in Mexico City (EMLL): Olimpus & Ultimatum b States tag team title on at least five occasions with partners like The Comodin & Rey Barbaro, America & Escudero Rojo & Reyes Veloz I b El Mongolian Stomper, Bob Geigel, Bulldog Bob Brown, Dewey Robertson Filoso & Talisman Jr. & Ludwig Star, CMLL womens title: La Diabolica b and Mike George, along with holding the Mid-Atlantic title in 1983 when Cynthia Moreno, Atlantis & La Fiera & Blue Demon Jr. b El Hijo del the promotion was arguably the top regional office in the country, and Mid Gladiador & Javier Cruz & Cachorro Mendoza-DQ, Kahos I & Jaque Mate Atlantic TV title twice in the late 70s. & Masakre b Pierroth Jr. & Negro Casas & Mano Negra-DQ

After Jones retired, he worked with several ex-Central States wrestlers in 11/5 Arena Mexico in Mexico City (EMLL): Olimpus & Olimpico b Nuevo security at The Woodlands Race track near Kansas City before opening Lynx & Rey Bucanero, Archangel de la Muerte & Guerrero de la Muerte b the Ringside Restaurant and Bar, which he owned at the time of his death. Triton & Chicago Express, Kato Kung Lee Sr. & Pantera II & El Hijo del ************************************************************************************ Solitario b Mogur & Felino & Tornado Negro I, Krom & Thor & Rayo de Final poll results on the Clash. Thumbs up: 90 (22.2%); Thumbs down: Jalisco Jr. b Dr. Wagner Jr. & Gran Markus Jr. & El Gladiador Jr., Atlantis 251 (62.1%); In the middle: 63 (15.6%). Pillman vs. Austin won the best & Corazon de Leon (Chris Jericho) & Ultimo Dragon d Black Magic & match with 246, Flair vs. Vader 77. Worst match was Shock Master vs. Mocho Cota & Emilio Charles Jr. Equalizer 156, Hawk vs. Rude 140. 11/6 Urayasu (New Japan - 315): Yuji Nagata b Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Battle Bowl PPV was a flop by every standard. Thumbs up: 9 (7.8%); Satoshi Kojima b Manabu Nakanishi, Jushin Liger & Shinjiro Otani b Thumbs down: 106 (91.4%); In the middle: 1 (0.9%). The number of Tokimitsu Ishizawa & El Samurai responses was roughly half of a normal WCW PPV, and from early reports, Observer reader interest paralleled national interest because the 11/6 Corinth, MS (Ringside Riot Promotions - 175): David Wilson b J.D. buy rate appears to be between 0.25 and 0.3 (around 60,000 buys)--easily McKay Jr., Greg Jones b The Secret (Ron Paul)-DQ, Rick Steele b the lowest for any PPV from a major group in history. Wilson, Paul Henning b Tank Turner, Wilson & Jones & McKay b Sgt. O'Reilly & Wilson & Turner Results of the 11/20 show in Pensacola, FL: 1. Cactus Jack & Vader beat Harlem Heat Kane & Charlie Norris in 7:34 when Vader power bombed 11/6 Mexico City Pista Arena Revolucion (EMLL): Orito & Saigoncito Norris. Mean Gene announced Heat Cole by accident at the beginning. Dragon b Damiancito & Ultratumbita, Mestizo & Talisman Jr. & Gran Vader and Norris both hurt their backs as Norris jumped up so high on the Apache I b Reyes Veloz I & Escudero Rojo & Halcon Negro Jr., Javier finish that Vader nearly lost him. *1/2; 2. Johnny B. Badd & Brian Knobs Cruz & Mogur & Titan b Americo Rocca & Jinete & Ringo Mendoza, La beat Erik Watts & Paul Roma in 12:56 when Knobs pinned Watts using Fiera & La Sombra & Corazon de Leon b Negro Casas & Dr. Wagner Jr. & the tights. Roma showed no hints for his heel turn. 3/4*; 3. Shock Master Cachorro Mendoza, Hair vs. hair: Brazo de Oro b Popitekus & Paul Orndorff beat Rick Steamboat & Steve Regal when Steamboat hit his partner with Regal's umbrella when Bill Dundee tried to give it to Regal 11/7 Arena Coliseo in Mexico City (EMLL): Lady Apache & Xochitl to use in 12:26. **; 4. King Kong & Dustin Rhodes beat Equalizer & Hamada b Lady Star & Maria del Angel, Gran Apache I & Mestizo & Awesome Kong in 5:55 when Rhodes bulldogged Awesome. Dustin was Talisman Jr. b America & Astro Jr. & Buffalo Salvaje-DQ, Mogur & Titan & given no favors on this show. One of the worst matches of all-time. -***; 5. Jinete b Triton & Chicago Express & Chamaco Valaguez, Jaque Mate & Sting & Jerry Sags beat Ron Simmons & Keith Cole when Sags pinned Kahos I & Javier Cruz b Oso Negro & Americo Rocca & Blue Demon Jr., Cole after an elbow off the top in 13:14. Simmons turned heel on Cole Supremo II & Felino & Black Magic b La Sombra & Atlantis & Corazon de afterwards. *1/2; 6. Ric Flair & Steve Austin beat Maxx Payne & Too Cold Leon Scorpio in 14:31 when Flair made Payne submit to the figure four. **3/4; 7. Rick Rude & Shanghai Pierce beat Tex Slashinger & Marcus Bagwell in 11/9 Arena Coliseo in Mexico City (EMLL): Orito & Pantita b Masakrito & 14:50 when Rude pinned Slashinger with the Rude Awakening. The crowd Jaque Matito, Olimpus & Olimpico b Ponzona & America, Mogur & went nuts for Tex vs. Shanghai for 30 seconds. The other 14:20 of the Cachorro Mendoza & Javier Cruz b El Hijo del Solitario & Americo Rocca match was unbearable. -*; 8. Road Warrior Hawk & Rip Rogers beat & Oso Negro-DQ, Rayo de Jalisco Jr. & Dandy & La Sombra b Dr. Davey Boy Smith & Harlem Heat Koal in 7:55 when Hawk threw Rogers Wagner Jr. & Emilio Charles Jr. & Sangre Chicana onto Koal for the pin. Hawk punched Rogers on the ramp before the match and the other guys stomped on him going to the ring. Terrible 11/10 Acapulco (EMLL): La Cebra Jr. b Rey Towahomaro, Lalo el Exotico match. Great finish. Hawk still was very limited with his knee. DUD; 9. d El Llandero, Ludwincito & Aspirantito b Centaurito & Siniestrito, Ludwig Battle Bowl was a better than average Battle Royal for the first 15:00 or so Star & Fiero b Jaqaue Mate & Tornado Negro I, Atlantis & Dandy & until it came down to Flair, Vader, Austin and Sting. It was excellent for the Corazon de Leon b Mano Negra & Black Magic & Negro Casas final 10:00. Flair attacked Race on the ramp and Vader came out and splashed Flair on the ramp and he was "injured" and did a stretcher job to 11/11 Hernando, MS (USWA - 600): Michael Lee b Rock & Roll Phantom build up Starrcade. Sting was in for a long time getting killed by Austin & (Don Bass), Little Eagle b Midget D, American Eagle #1 (Ken Wayne) b Vader and looking for sure like he'd do a comeback win. Vader splashed J.C. Ice, Brian Christopher & Jeff Jarrett b Reggie B. Fine & Koko Ware, and squashed Sting numerous times but couldn't put him away. Sting and Jarrett b Honkytonk Man-DQ Austin went over onto the ramp (legal), but Austin fell of the ramp and was eliminated. Vader squashed Sting some more, but Sting made a 11/11 Bremen, Germany (CWA): David Taylor b Mad Bull Buster-DQ, comeback, but missed a Stinger splash into the corner and flew over at Miles Zrno d Hiroyoshi Yamamoto, August Smisl b Steve Casey-COR, 25:33. ***1/2 Rambo b Larry Cameron-DQ, David Finlay b Robert Fasser, Franz Schumann & Ulf Hermann b Bruiser Mastino & Rip Morgan 11/16 Chiba (Al Japan - 2,800 sellout): Doug Furnas b Mighty Inoue, Dan 11/12 Juan de la Barrera Gym in Mexico City (AAA - 4,000): Fantasma de Kroffat b Tamon Honda, The Eagle & The Patriot b Dory Funk & Yoshinari la Quebrada Jr. & Canalla I & Juventud Guerrera b Zafiro & Diamante & Ogawa, Rusher Kimura & Mitsuo Momota b Haruka Eigen & Ryuma Brillante, Angel Azteca & El Hijo de Lizmark & El Hijo de Tinieblas b Izumida, Jun Akiyama & Satoru Asako b Masa Fuchi & Takao Omori, Fantasma & Chicano Power Jr. & Herodes, WWA womens title: La Steve Williams & Big Bubba Rogers b Abdullah the Butcher & Giant Monster b Martha Villalobos, Lizmark Sr. & Latin Lover & Salomon Grundy Kimala II, Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue b Tracy Smothers & Richard b El Satanico & Pirata Morgan & Angel Blanco Jr., Double womens hair Slinger, Giant Baba & Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi b Stan Hansen vs. hair match: La Briosa & Neftali b Pantera Surena & Wendy & Danny Spivey & Johnny Ace

11/12 Arena Mexico in Mexico City (EMLL - 8,000): Gran Apache I & El 11/16 Twenty Nine Palms, CA (IWA - 350): Don Juan b Larry Ludden, Mestizo b Escudero Rojo & Reyes Veloz I, Metalico & Aguila Solitaria b Barbara Blaze b Victoria Morena, Thunder Machine b Mr. Outrageous, Cadaver de Ultratumba & Espectro Jr., Los Brazos b Jaque Mate & Kahos Brutus Beefcake b Nailz, Tito Santana b Rick Martel-DQ I & Bestia Salvaje-DQ, Mocho Cota & Felino & Pierroth Jr. b Atlantis & Ultimo Dragon & Fiero, Negro Casas & Mano Negra & Black Magic b 11/16 Bremen, Germany (CWA): Steve Casey b David Taylor, Franz Rayo de Jalisco Jr. & Dandy & Corazon de Leon Schumann b Klaus Kauroff, Handicap match: Larry Cameron & Mad Bull Buster b Rambo, Bruiser Mastino b Eddie Steinblock, Robert Fasser & Ulf 11/12 Bremen, Germany (CWA): Robert Fasser b Rip Morgan, Bruiser Hermann b David Finlay & Rip Morgan Mastino b August Smisl, Franz Schumann b Hiroyoshi Yamamoto, Rambo b Mad Bull Buster, Ulf Hermann b David Finlay-DQ 11/17 Niigata (All Japan - 3,700 sellout): Masao Inoue b Satoru Asako, Tracy Smothers b Takao Omori, Rusher Kimura & Mighty Inoue b Ryuma 11/13 Chester, SC (North American Wrestling Alliance - 45): One-night Izumida & Haruka Eigen, Johnny Ace & Danny Spivey b Masa Fuchi & tournament for vacant NAWA title, Super Rocker II (Tommy Welker) b Yoshinari Ogawa, Abdullah the Butcher & Giant Kimala II b Tamon Honda Paul Jones Jr., Rick Link b Candy Man, Super Rocker I (Don Herbert) & Dory Funk, Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue b Dan Kroffat & Doug DDQ Hunter Thompson, Buddy Shane b The Assassin (Ken Boone), Link Furnas, Giant Baba & Stan Hansen b The Eagle & The Patriot, Steve b Rocker II, Shane b Link to win title Williams & Big Bubba Rogers & Richard Slinger b Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi & Jun Akiyama 11/13 Bremen, Germany (CWA): Franz Schumann b Rip Morgan-COR, David Taylor b Miles Zrno, Handicap match: Rambo b Larry Cameron & 11/17 Tokyo Korakuen Hall (JWP - 2,100 sellout): Cutie Suzuki b Boirshoi Mad Bull Buster, August Smisl b David Finlay-DQ, Robert Fasser & Ulf Kid, Mayumi Ozaki b Plum Mariko 21:36, Devil Masami b Candy Okutsu, Hermann b Klaus Kauroff & Eddie Steinblock Dynamite Kansai b Hikari Fukuoka 21:16

11/13 Stoneboro, PA (ACW): Derek Domino b Kabuki Kid, T-Rantula b 11/17 Bremen, Germany (CWA): Mad Bull Buster b Billy Boy Willox, Chopper Davidson, Goodfellas b Bad Crew-DQ, Rip Sawyer b Glen August Smisl DCOR Miles Zrno, David Taylor b Larry Cameron-DQ, Osborne, Lord Zoltan b T.C. Reynolds, Nikolai Volkoff b Evil Sheik, Doink Robert Fasser d Steve Casey, Bruiser Mastino & David Finlay b Rambo & the Clown b Shane Douglas, Douglas won Battle Royal Franz Schumann

11/14 Juarez (AAA - 12,000 sellout): Octagon & El Hijo del Santo & Rey 11/18 Yokohama Bunka Gym (JWP - 5,200 sellout): Chapparita Asari & Misterio Jr. b Tony Arce & Vulcano & Rocco Valente, Konnan El Barbaro Chikako Shiratori (AJW) b Candy Okutsu & Fusayo Nochi, Mima Shimoda & Latin Lover & Perro Aguayo b Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000 & (AJW) b Boirshoi Kid, Manami Toyota (AJW) b Hikari Fukuoka 22:55, Universo 2000 to win six-team one-night trios tournament Akira Hokuto (AJW) b Mayumi Ozaki, Devil Masami & Plum Mariko b Chigusa Nagayo & Cutie Suzuki 33:04, Dynamite Kansai b Kyoko Inoue 11/14 El Toreo in Naucalpan (UWA - 2,500): Pimpinela Escarlata & El (AJW) 20:45 Engendro b Shogun & Blackman II, El Hijo de Anibal & El Hijo del Solitario b Loco Zandokan & Luis Mariscal, The Killer & Villanos IV & V b Crypt 11/18 Niagara Falls, NY (WWF): 1-2-3 Kid b Johnny Polo, Doink the Keeper (Jose Estrada Jr.) & Vita Hiroaki & Black Power II, El Signo & El Clown b Mike Sharpe, Rick Steiner b Jacques Rougeau, Lex Luger b Texano & Negro Navarro b Silver King & Transformer & Super Astro, Ludvig Borga, Owen Hart b Adam Bomb-DQ, Head Shrinkers b Rock & Canek & Miguelito Perez & Villano III b Enrique Vera & Gran Hamada & Roll Express, Bret Hart b Shawn Michaels Dr. Wagner Jr. 11/18 Flint, MI (WWF - 1,750): Brooklyn Brawler b Brian Costello, Diesel b 11/14 Arena Coliseo in Mexico City (EMLL): Guerrero Maya & Damiancito Bob Backlund, Coffin match: The Undertaker b Yokozuna, Men on b Mascarita Magica & Saigoncito Dragon, Damian el Guerrero & Guerrero Mission b Tom Stone & Barry Horowitz, Bastion Booger b Virgil, IC title: del Futuro & Guerrero Maya b Chicago Express & Metalico & Aguila Razor Ramon b IRS Solitaria, Oso Negro & Javier Valaguez & Americo Rocca b Popitekus & El Hijo del Gladiador & Gran Markus Jr.-DQ, Mocho Cota & Pierroth Jr. & 11/18 Akita (All Japan - 2,800 sellout): Mitsuo Momota b Masao Inoue, Sangre Chicana b La Fiera & Ultimo Dragon & Rayo de Jalisco Jr., Mask Tracy Smothers b Satoru Asako, Big Bubba Rogers b Tamon Honda, vs. mask: La Sombra b Supremo II (Supremo II unmasked as Julio Giant Baba & Rusher Kimura & Mighty Inoue b Ryuma Izumida & Haruka Gonzalez) Eigen & Masa Fuchi, Dan Kroffat & Doug Furnas b Dory Funk & Yoshinari Ogawa, Abdullah the Butcher & Giant Kimala II b Steve Williams & 11/14 Bremen, Germany (CWA): Franz Schumann won Battle Royal, Richard Slinger, Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue b Johnny Ace & Danny Bruiser Mastino b Ulf Hermann, August Smisl b Klaus Kauroff, David Spivey, Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi & Jun Akiyama b Stan Finlay b Miles Zrno-DQ, Rambo b Hiroyoshi Yamamoto, Larry Cameron & Hansen & The Eagle & The Patriot Mad Bull Buster b Schumann & David Taylor 11/18 Tokyo Sumo Hall (RINGS - 8,995): Naniev Olegg b Georgi, George 11/15 Toda (All Japan - 3,300): The Patriot & The Eagle b Satoru Asako & Gundelaki b Masayoshi Naruse, Mitsuya Nagai b Vladimir Petkov, Tariel b Jun Akiyama, Giant Baba & Rusher Kimura & Mighty Inoue b Masa Fuchi Dirk Leon-Vrij, Chris Dolman b Willie Peeters, Nikolai Zuev b Volk Han, & Haruka Eigen & Ryuma Izumida, Danny Spivey & Johnny Ace b Takao Akira Maeda b Herman Renting Omori & Dory Funk, Ted DiBiase & Stan Hansen b Abdullah the Butcher & Giant Kimala II, Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi b Dan Kroffat & Doug 11/18 Lake Hiawatha, NJ (East Coast Pro Wrestling - 50): Jason Wright b Furnas, Steve Williams & Big Bubba Rogers & Richard Slinger b Akira Bill Cobbs, Devon Storm b Inferno Kid, Kodiak Bear b Gino Caruso, Taue & Toshiaki Kawada & Yoshinari Ogawa Annihilators b Dennis Knight & Black Champion, Vinnie Powers DCOR Italian Stallion (not PWF wrestler of same name), Rocky Jones b Metal 11/15 Memphis (USWA - 1,250): Jeff Gaylord & Mike Anthony b PG-13, Head The Warlock (Dave Heath) b Del Rios, Midget D b Little Eagle, American Eagles d Phi Delta Slamma, Loser leaves town: Downtown Bruno b 11/18 Plant City, FL (Plant City Wrestling Federation): Latin Fever b Ray Richard Lee, Dirty White Girl b Toni Adams-DQ, Dirty White Boy & Doug Diaz, Raul Mata b Sonny T, Luis Astea b Rick Thames-DQ, Rico NC Gilbert b Moondogs-DQ, Jerry Lawler & Brian Christopher b Koko Ware & Nuclear Assassin, Luscious Luke b Max the Destroyer, Rocky Johnson & Rex Hargrove-COR, USWA title: Crush b Jeff Jarrett to win title Cody Wade DDQ Jerry Flynn & Ned Brady

11/15 Bremen, Germany (CWA): Miles Zrno b Eddie Steinblock-DQ, 11/18 Ridge Crest, CA (IWA - 550): Don Juan b Larry Ludden, Barbara David Taylor b August Smisl, Rambo b Bruiser Mastino-COR, Franz Blaze b Victoria Morena, Mr. Outrageous b Thunder Machine, Tito Schumann b David Finlay, Robert Fasser & Ulf Hermann b Klaus Kauroff Santana b Rick Martel-DQ, Brutus Beefcake b Nailz, Blaze & Machine b & Rip Morgan Outrageous & Morena

11/18 Quitman, TX (World Class): Tasha Simone-Love b Mad Madeline, 11/20 Tokyo Korakuen Hall (New Japan - 2,000 sellout): Satoshi Kojima b Mike Davis b Black Bart-DQ, Bubba Fangman b Ray Evans, Scott Putski Yuji Nagata, Black Tiger (Eddy Guerrero) b Shinjiro Otani, Osamu Kido b & Steven Dane b John Hawk & Alex Porteau, Kevin Von Erich b Rod Price Brad Rheingans, Scott Norton & Hercules Fernandez b Hiroshi Hase & Manabu Nakanishi, Keiji Muto b Mike Enos (Blake Beverly), Jushin Liger b 11/19 Syracuse, NY (WWF - 2,150): 1-2-3 Kid b Johnny Polo *1/2, Doink Michiyoshi Ohara, Tatsumi Fujinami b Great Kabuki, Masashi Aoyagi & the Clown b Mike Sharpe DUD, Rick Steiner b Jacques Rougeau *, Lex Tatsutoshi Goto & Kuniaki Kobayashi & Kengo Kimura b Takayuki Iizuka Luger b Ludvig Borga DUD, Owen Hart b Adam Bomb-DQ DUD, Head & Akira Nogami & Masa Chono & Shinya Hashimoto Shrinkers b Rock & Roll Express ***, Cage match: Bret Hart b Shawn Michaels **1/2 11/20 Yamato (FMW - 3,058): Kuroda b Gosaku Goshegawara, Tsuppari Mack b Nurse Nakamura, Battle Ranger b Masato Tanaka, Sabu b Dark 11/19 Tokyo Korakuen Hall (FMW - 2,150 sellout): Masato Tanaka b Koji Ranger, Crusher Maedomari & Shark Tsuchiya & Combat Toyota b Nakagawa, Battle Ranger (Yukihide Ueno) b Tatsuhiro Kuroda, Katsuji Megumi Kudo & Keiko Iwame & Yukie Nabeno, Ricky Fuji DDQ Damien, Ueda b Masaru Toi, Ricky Fuji b Dark Ranger, Big Titan b Hideki Hosaka, Big Titan & The Gladiator b Hideki Hosaka & Masaru Toi, Dr. Looser & Dr. Tsuppari Mack & Shark Tsuchiya & Crusher Maedomari & Combat Toyota Hannibal b Tarzan Goto & Koji Nakagawa, Street fight: Mitsuhiro b Nurse Nakamura & Yukie Nabeno & Miwa Sato & Megumi Kudo, The Matsunaga & Mr. Pogo & Hisakatsu Oya b Atsushi Onita & Sambo Asako Gladiator (Mike Alfonso) b Katsutoshi Niiyama, Dr. Hannibal (Steve & Katsutoshi Niiyama Gillespie) & Dr. Looser (Len St. Clair) b Damian & Sabu, Street fight: Atsushi Onita & Tarzan Goto & Sambo Asako b Mr. Pogo & Mitsuhiro 11/20 Pikeville, KY (SMW - 550): Tim Horner b Killer Kyle, U.S. jr. title: Matsunaga & Hisakatsu Oya Chris Candido b Bobby Blaze, 3-on-2: Bruise Brothers b Heavenly Bodies & Jim Cornette-DQ, Non-title street fight: Dirty White Boy b Brian Lee, 11/19 Lenoir, NC (SMW - 225): Prince Kharis b ?, Tim Horner b Killer Bruise Brothers won Battle Royal Kyle, U.S. jr. title: Chris Candido b Bobby Blaze, Bruise Brothers b Heavenly Bodies, SMW title: Dirty White Boy b Brian Lee-DQ, White Boy 11/20 Nagaruyama (All Japan women): Chikako Shiratori b Yokoe, won Battle Royal Chapparita Asari b Kumiko Maekawa, Suzuka Minami b Sakie Hasegawa, Manami Toyota & Akira Hokuto b Toshiyo Yamada & Kyoko Inoue, Aja 11/19 Queretearo (AAA): El Salero & Super Calo & Torero b The Rose & Kong b Tomoko Watanabe, Eagle Sawai & Yasha Kurenai b Yumiko Hotta Rudy Reyna & May Flowers, Katana & Volador & Solar I b Angel Azteca & & Takako Inoue Winners & Misterioso, Mascarita Sagrada & Octagoncito & Angelito Azteca b Espectrito & Espantito I & II, Fantasma & Angel Blanco Jr. & La 11/20 Sapporo (W*ING): The W*inger b Hido (Hideo Takayama), Shoji Parka b Mascara Sagrada & El Hijo de Lizmark & Tinieblas Jr.-DQ, Nakamaki b Ryo Myake, Nobutaka Araya b Masayoshi Motegi, Triangular mask vs. mask match: Angel Mortal b Rey Misterio Jr., Mortal b Leatherface (Rick Patterson) & The Boogie Man (Eddie Gilbert) b Gedo & Bandito-COR, Misterio Jr. b Bandito (Bandito lost mask), WWA Jado, Freddy Krueger (Doug Gilbert) & Crypt Keeper (Jose Estrada Jr.) b welterweight title: El Hijo del Santo d Heavy Metal Head Hunters, Crash the Terminator & Miguelito Perez & Nakamaki b The Moondogs (Bubba White & Bill Smithson/USWA Moondogs) & Hido 11/19 Chiba (All Japan women): Kumiko Maekawa b Yokoe, Chikako Shiratori b Chapparita Asari, Suzuka Minami b Tomoko Watanabe, 11/20 Nashville (USWA - 300): Del Rios b Tony Falk, Phi Delta Slamma Yumiko Hotta b Sakie Hasegawa, Manami Toyota b Takako Inoue, Aja #1 b American Eagle #1 (Ken Wayne), Phi Delta Slamma #2 b American Kong & Akira Hokuto b Toshiyo Yamada & Kyoko Inoue Eagle #2 (Danny Davis), J.C. Ice b Tony Williams, Jeff Gaylord b Wolfie D, Midget D b Little Eagle to win mask, Gaylord b Reggie B. Fine-DQ, 11/19 Dallas Sportatorium (GWF - 1,219/88 paid): John Hawk b John Loser leaves town: Downtown Bruno b Richard Lee, Brian Christopher b Armstrong (Bubba Fangman), Iceman King Parsons b Raving Robert, Rex Hargrove, USWA title: Jeff Jarrett b Warlock-DQ Chris Adams b Alex Porteau, Scott Putski b Rod Price, Guido Falcone & Vito Mussolini b Chaz Taylor & Steven Dane, Bullrope match: Mike Davis 11/21 Hartford, CT (WWF - 5,400): Adam Bomb b 1-2-3 Kid, Rick & Scott b Black Bart Steiner b Jacques Rougeau & Johnny Polo, Diesel b Bob Backlund, WWF title: Yokozuna b The Undertaker, IC title: Razor Ramon b IRS, Lex Luger 11/19 Victorville, CA (IWA - 625): Don Juan b Larry Ludden, Victoria b Ludvig Borga-DQ, Head Shrinkers b Rock & Roll Express Morena b Barbara Blaze, Mr. Outrageous b Thunder Machine, Tito Santana b Rick Martel-DQ, Brutus Beefcake b Nailz, Blaze & Machine b 11/21 Dallas (Big D - 127): Chris Rox b Ray Evans, Jimmy James b Alex Morena & Outrageous Porteau, Mr. Mister b John Hawk, Big D b El Brujo, Gary Young & Rod Price b Terry Simms & Mike Davis to win held up Big D tag titles 11/19 Carson, CA (Ind - 725): Renegado Estrada & Flamarion b Scare Face & El Pumpa, Frankenstein & Black Angel b Sagrado & Dinamic Jr., 11/21 Takigawa (W*ING): Moondog Spike b Ryo Myake, Moondog Splat b Ponky Boy II & Maythor & Maquina Infernal I b El Baron & Flash & Hido, The W*inger b Masayoshi Motegi, Boogie Man & Leatherface b Pequeno Halcon-DQ, Predator & El Final & Chamaco Rebelde NC Tlaloc Miguelito Perez & Crash the Terminator, Freddy Krueger & Crypt Keeper & Tornado Negro II & Poison, Kiss & Jalisco I & Rayo de Jalisco Jr. b b Shoji Nakamaki & Nobutaka Araya, Barbed wire match: Head Hunters b Lover Boy & Cesar Sando Jr. & Javier Llanes Gedo & Jado

11/19 Fort Oglethorpe, GA (TWA): Frankie Lee b Jamie Strong, Outlaw #1 11/22 Kumagane (New Japan - 1,820 sellout): Tokimitsu Ishizawa b & Texas Assassin b Nasty Critters-DQ, Tracy Black b Danny D, Billy Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Manabu Nakanishi b Shinjiro Otani, Black Tiger b Yuji Montana & Ken Arden b Johnny Blaze & Woody Woodchuck, Rick Justice Nagata, Michiyoshi Ohara b Satoshi Kojima, Brad Rheingans & Masa & Sam Colt b Frankie Lee & Joel Travis, Rawhead Rex b Randy Steel Saito b El Samurai & Osamu Kido, Kuniaki Kobayashi & Great Kabuki b Akira Nogami & Takayuki Iizuka, Kengo Kimura & Tatsutoshi Goto & 11/19 Dallas, NC (PWF - 87): Flaming Youth b Cruel Connection II Masashi Aoyagi b Jushin Liger & Hiroshi Hase & Keiji Muto, Masa Chono (George South), Star Ryder b Masked Maniac (Italian Stallion)-DQ, & Shinya Hashimoto & Tatsumi Fujinami b Scott Norton & Hercules Russian Assassin b Hillbilly (J.R. Scruggs), South & Terry Austin b Fernandez & Mike Enos Southern Rockers, Austin Steele DCOR Texas Outlaw, Stallion b Black Scorpion Special thanks to: Steve "Dr. Lucha" Sims, David Stebbins, Karin Moore, Dan Parris, Toni Sabaugh, Norm Connors, Gene Restaino, Paul 11/20 Philadelphia (WWF - 6,800): Owen Hart b Duane Gill, Doink the MacArthur, Stuart Kemp, Freddie Fargo, J.D. McKay Jr., Shelby Adcock, Clown b Mike Sharpe, Rick & Scott Steiner b Johnny Polo & Jacques Jason Meier, Mad Jack, Brett Whalen, Dave Scherer, Brian Hildebrand, Rougeau, Lex Luger b Ludvig Borga, Adam Bomb b 1-2-3 Kid, Head Shannon Rose, Roy Lucier, Tony Freidmann, Hartmint Schuette Shrinkers b Rock & Roll Express, Cage match: Bret Hart b Shawn Michaels WEEK NEWS HIGHLIGHTS 11/20 Utsunomiya (All Japan - 2,700): Mighty Inoue b Masao Inoue, Randy Savage to replace Mr. Perfect in Survivor Series, which is Yoshinari Ogawa b Satoru Asako, Abdullah the Butcher & Giant Kimala II expected to do the lowest buy rate of any WWF PPV show in history. b Tamon Honda & Dory Funk, Giant Baba & Rusher Kimura & Mitsuo Momota b Masa Fuchi & Haruka Eigen & Ryuma Izumida, The Patriot & Speaking of the show, Jeff Gaylord is telling people he's one of the The Eagle b Dan Kroffat & Doug Furnas, Stan Hansen & Danny Spivey & Knights. Johnny Ace b Steve Williams & Big Bubba Rogers & Richard Slinger, Mitsuharu Misawa & Kenta Kobashi & Jun Akiyama b Toshiaki Kawada & Sid Vicious and Arn Anderson are each suspended without pay. The Akira Taue & Takao Omori 25:59 company has publicly yet to acknowledge this, and is still advertising them as appearing on upcoming house shows on television shows that aired as late as this past weekend. seen in the locker room but didn't appear on the show). Obviously the Japanese sources claim the Ultimate Fight was pre-determined for Gracie cards were a work as there were far too many cards in the cage for the to win. It looked real to me. number of wrestlers. But the whole thing was a mess.

Funk vs. Sabu on 12/26 in Philadelphia. Some changes in WCW hierarchy. Sharon Sidello will work most of the year out of Europe selling syndication. Mike Weber will take her duties in Stan Lane is headed to WWF as an announcer for the face-to-face marketing and PPV, and Chris Potenza takes Weber's p.r. duties. Feel segments. sorry for him.

A selfish reason to hope Lawler is exonerated soon is that you won't have Eric Bischoff missed Battle Bowl as he spent four days in Japan trying to to hear that Rio Rogers character. work out a talent exchange deal with New Japan and appeared to be wanting to learn how they do what they do. UWFI is remaining strong in Japan as the 12/5 Takada vs. Vader show has a huge advance. However, Rings is taking some lumps, as it was AAA/IWC scheduled for dates on February 19, 1994 in Chicago, February unable to come close to selling out Sumo Hall on 11/18, because of the 21, 1994 at the Paramount in New York and March 12, 1994 at the Los popularity of Pancrase. From what I'm told, in Japan, most fans saw UWFI Angeles Sports Arena and will return to San Jose the same weekend as as a more realistic looking New Japan style promotion with angles, where Los Angeles. as Rings was a hardcore thing that expected to be real. Unfortunately, Pancrase, by its style, has shown what a shoot really looks like and Rings Randy Savage was announced as being stripped of the USWA Unified fans aren't the kind who largely want to see stiff realistic working matches title for failure to defend it within 30 days and a Battle Royal was held on like UWFI fans. Maeda's matches have pro wrestling psychology (Maeda 11/22 in Memphis. It came down to Lawler and Jarrett with Jarrett turning gets beat up and twisted around for several minutes, but makes a heel on Lawler and pinning him using the trunks to win the title. Earlier comeback to dramatically win) and Pancrase has no psychology since a Buddy Landel won the USWA title from Jarrett, with Jeff still as a face in shoot can't. that match. Jarrett is heading full-time to WWF so after this week will only work spot dates in Memphis. Chigusa Nagayo, the biggest superstar in the history of women's wrestling, looks to be coming out of retirement full-time next year to work Crush had apparently won the USWA title from Jarrett on the 11/15 card, for JWP. when Toni Adams gave Crush a foreign object to use on Jarrett for the pin, but Eddie Marlin came on television and said the rules committee is The divorce of El Hijo del Santo is getting monstrous tabloid press in tired of outside interference and was giving the title back to Jarrett. Mexico, including numerous covers that hardly present one of AAA's top babyfaces in a favorable light. Santo's estranged wife, Sylvia Tovar, Warlock in Memphis is Dave Heath, formerly Vampire Warrior. released all her divorce papers, wanting custody of the two kids. In the divorce papers there are wife-beating charges, and one magazine printed Also on the 11/21 show, Lawler & Christopher beat Ware & Hargrove and six of Sylvia's pictures of Santo without the mask and revealed him as by pre-match stips, Toni Adams had to eat dog food (really corned beef Jorge Guzman and she also released a 1980 photo unmasked of the and hash in a dog food can). original El Santo before his death. The wrestling mags are trying to push him like crazy right now so the tabloid stories don't take him down, but Dutch Mantel also returned to USWA this week. magazine covers with headlines saying "The End of the legend" were in Mexico City the past two weeks. Matches added to the January 4, 1994 Tokyo Dome this week were ten man tag with Kido & Black Cat & Satoshi Kojima & Manabu Nakanishi & Speaking of Santo, his WWA welterweight title defense in a face vs. face Yuji Nagata vs. Shiro Koshinaka & Kengo Kimura & Kuniaki Kobayashi & match with Heavy Metal should headline this coming Saturday's Michiyoshi Ohara & Great Kabuki, Takayuki Iizuka & Akira Nogami vs. Galavision card, which ends in a draw. Masashi Aoyagi & Akitoshi Saito, Shinya Hashimoto vs. Masa Chono for the IWGP title and most likely but not yet announced, Riki Choshu vs. Roddy Piper's movie "Back in Action" debuts in Japan in a few weeks. Yoshiaki Fujiwara. Overall the most lackluster Dome show line-up ever. Sumo wrestler Yasuda's debut will be held back to February. Atsushi Onita was invited to be in the Royal Rumble and will accept, so he'll join Tenryu and Kabuki, and in exchange it is expected Onita will Pat Tanaka starts with FMW in January. appear on WWF cards in Japan next year. Randy Savage was a big hit at the WWF press conference last week in Tokyo, although the press 12/15 at Sumo Hall is a special card for Tenryu's 30th anniversary in conference announced nothing. Onita is filming a movie in January in combat sports (sumo & pro wrestling). They will do a film feature on his Japan which could keep him from doing the Rumble, but is said to be sports career before the show, although at this point All Japan (where he working hard to free that weekend. spent his pro wrestling heyday) is refusing to release footage. Tenryu vs. Fujinami, Ultimo Dragon vs. Atlantis for UWA middleweight title, Warlord Ted DiBiase suffered a neck injury early in the tag tournament severe vs. Earthquake John Tenta where Warlord can win only by slamming enough to be sent home and be out for the rest of the year. Giant Baba Quake three times, Mil Mascaras vs. Gran Markus Jr., Koki Kitahara vs. will take his place as Stan Hansen's partner for the rest of the tour, Hiroshi Hase, King Haku & Masao Orihara vs. Ishinriki & Ashura Hara. although Stan had to give up the two points he & Ted had won. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi is also out of action with a broken shoulder and won't return until JWP announced its biggest show in history will take place on May 22, February. 1994 at the Ariake Coliseum (12,000 outdoor arena) called Super Major Queens Ariake Clash. Terry Gordy is scheduled to return after being out six months after being in a coma from collapsing on an airplane to Japan on January 16. Yokozuna & Mr. Fuji appeared on NBC's Conan O'Brien show on 11/21 and the Hart Family scheduled for Regis & Kathy Lee to plug Survivors. TV ratings for the weekend of 11/13-15 saw WCW Saturday and Raw both do 3.1 (WCW was headlined by a **** 30:00+ match with Flair & All Japan on 11/15 did a 3.3 rating airing the second night of the tag Anderson vs. Vader & Austin on top), All-American 2.0, Main Event 1.9, tourney. Power Hour 1.8 and Mania 1.4. Pancrase pushing a major show 1/19 in Yokohama. Prince Kharis the Mummy managed by Darryl Van Horn debuted 11/19 in SMW and flopped big-time. Kharis was Rob Mayze of Pittsburgh, who FULL debuts 12/16 and 12/17 at Korakuen Hall for Oro Memorial Nights worked as Grim Reaper for one week in Memphis last year and on a few with Brazo de Plata, Pantera II, Casandro, El Incognito, La Sombra, videos as Molokai, one of Kevin Sullivan's disciples on SMW shows. Rocky Santana, Guadalajara Warrior, Scorpio Jr. and Gran Hamada already announced. Vader beat Ice Train in the finals of the Jesse arm-wrestling tournament for the fall and winter. In syndication in January, Michael Hayes turns heel Glen Jacobs, who will probably be one of the Knights, debuts for PWFG and will feud with Badd. on 12/5 against Fujiwara.

Vicious was still on all commercials and being plugged in interviews as Top matches for the 12/5 Shingu Stadium (UWFI) show are Vader vs. appearing in Battle Bowl as late as the day of the show. In fact, many Takada, Hashimikov & Berkovich vs. Albright & Severn, Dennis Koslowski others listed as being in Battle Bowl (Pillman and Ice Train come to mind) vs. Kiyoshi Tamura, Yoji Anjyo vs. Billy Scott, Kazuo Yamazaki & Mark weren't there and it appeared the 40 wrestlers to be picked from were Silver vs. Naoki Sano & Yuko Miyato. really 33 (only Kent Cole, who is injured and can't wrestle anyway, was 11/14 at Arena Coliseo saw La Sombra win a mask vs. mask from Supremo II who turned out to be Julio Gonzalez.

La Briosa & Neftali won a double womens hair vs. hair beating Pantera Surena & Wendy when La Monster interfered and tossed tabasco juice in Surena's eyes on 11/12 at Juan de la Barrera Gym. Poor Surena, first a beer bottle over her head, juicing every week, now tabasco juice in her eyes and being shaved bald.

The tag tourney won on 11/11 in Tijuana by Santo & Octagon was for the Tijuana Cup. The Pacific Northwest tag belts they were wearing were actually the belts they had won a week earlier from Love Machine & Eddy Guerrero that are being called AAA world tag team titles.

Brazo de Oro won a hair match from Popitekus on 11/6.

Vampiro Casanova has been out of action this entire month due to an asthma attack.

Mario Prado Sr., who passed away on 11/3, had a 40-year career as a wrestler and was 78 at the time of his death. He was the first wrestler ever to use a Vampire gimmick. His son Mario Prado Jr. is a co-booker for EMLL.

A rookie wrestler named Hermes was shot and killed working in a pharmacy in an attempted robbery on 11/12.

Espectro de Ultratumba has gone back to wrestling as Gran Cochise in Guadalajara.

El Coloso retired after losing a hair match to Gran Hamada.

Biggest show of the past week in Japan was the JWP card at Yokohama Gym on 11/18 drawing a sellout 5,200 and told it was an excellent show. All Japan won every mixed promotional match except the main event, with the key wins being Manami Toyota over Hikari Fukuoka and Akira Hokuto over Mayumi Ozaki. Chigusa Nagayo did the job once again in her return teaming with Cutie Suzuki to lose to Devil Masami & Plum Mariko in 33:04, while JWP won the headline match with Dynamite Kansai pinning Kyoko Inoue. In some ways it's sad to see Nagayo try a comeback full- time in 1994 as her era is simply over. Nagayo was the hero in the mid- 80s to the junior high and high school girls when women's wrestling largely drew from that audience. Today's women's wrestling draws from the hardcore wrestling fan audience, and while they've all heard of her, they never saw her in her heyday so her incredible popularity of the past doesn't mean that much.

All Japan 1/2 to 1/29 tour has Hansen, Ace, Tommy Rogers, Bobby Fulton, Chris & Mark Youngblood, Abdullah the Butcher, Giant Kimala II, Gordy and Steve Williams.

Rock & Roll Express worked the entire weekend for WWF putting over Head Shrinkers every night.

Awards balloting responses (categories listed in 11/8 Observer) for the 1993 Observer readers awards are now being accepted through the next month. Because of Christmas and New Years mail, please mail all awards ballots by December 25th to insure inclusion in the poll as every year numerous ballots arrive late. You can also fax ballots in. Deadline for receiving ballots will be the first week of January.